2018 Jeep Wrangler
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,822 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Wrangler model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 22 involved a crash and 25 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 12, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The wiring harness for the rearview camera and the center brake light may short circuit, which can disable the rearview camera image and center brake light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 111, "Rear Visibility" and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, a center brake light that fails to illuminate can fail to indicate to other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers replaced the harness for the center brake light and rearview camera and/or the spare tire carrier/harness assembly, as necessary, free of charge. All vehicles were repaired by January 15, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 77B.
Campaign 24V676000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelSep 5, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The instrument panel cluster may experience an internal short circuit and fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.
Campaign 24V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, clutch assemblyFeb 23, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Campaign 23V116000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, clutch assemblyJan 28, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
Campaign 21V028000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, clutch assemblyMar 3, 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture.
The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute a wire harness and inspect the clutch system, and replace components as needed. The recall began April 30, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W12.
Campaign 20V124000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, anchorageSep 26, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.
A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VA6.
Campaign 19V680000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentApr 23, 2019
Erwin Hymer Group USA LP dba American Fastbacks (EHGUSA-AF) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles sold with a roof top tent installed. The top cover of the roof top tent may crack or break, possibly resulting in the cover detaching from the vehicle while moving.
If the roof top tent cover detaches from the vehicle while moving, it can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact American Fastbacks customer service at 1-844-533-7997 extension 301. Note: Vehicles in this recall are also included in recall 19V-190.
Campaign 19V320000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchNov 8, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler four-door vehicles. The right rear passenger door latch may not be in the correct location, possibly preventing the door from latching properly.
If the right rear passenger door opens unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the right rear door latch reinforcement, free of charge. The recall begin December 6, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UB6.
Campaign 18V786000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, frame and membersSep 28, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The front track bar brackets may be improperly welded, which can cause the bracket to separate from the frame, reducing steering capability.
An unexpected reduction in steering ability, can increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the track bar bracket welds, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA5.
Campaign 18V675000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, front underhoodAug 9, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Campaign 18V524000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringMay 25, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft may not have been properly welded causing a split where the external spline is formed.
If the weld seam splits, the steering wheel may lose center positioning causing a loss of steering responsiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U48.
Campaign 18V343000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionMay 1, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Campaign 18V280000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, frame and membersApr 12, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The rear under body ladder rail may corrode, possibly reducing the strength of the rear floor pan and causing the left rear seat mount to become loose.
If the floor pan strength is reduced and/or the rear seat mount becomes loose, the rear seat may detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, coat the interior and exterior of the driver's side rear underbody ladder rail with three-part rust protection. The recall began September 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U27.
Campaign 18V231000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
1,116 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 5, 2022
At 40,000 miles the Service shifter warning light came on and a barrage of other lights flashed across the dash. Check engine light comes on and all of a sudden I lose all power steering and almost run off the road. The steering only comes back after shutting engine off and restarting it. It is a continuous problem with no warning as to when it will occur. I have it scheduled to go into shop on Thursday for the diagnosis. Either way it is extremely dangerous!
Steering, Suspension, Mar 4, 2022
On high speed turns when you hit a bump just right the steering wheel/column shakes violently and the entire front end vibrates to the point where it feels like control of the vehicle is lost.
Steering, Feb 22, 2022
Death Wobble frontend started to shake violently on a major highway. I have only had this vehicle 3 weeks and was never notified of this and put many drivers near me at risk. No warnings were given. Driving at highway speed.
Steering, Feb 22, 2022
Front Wheels/Axle Wobble when hitting irregularities in road between 48-65 MPH. Requires slowing down to almost a stop to dissipate the wobble.
Steering, Feb 18, 2022
Steering wheel seems to ( tighten up when going around a curve went right ) this has happened off n on from time to time…. Safety is if the steering whee locks up going around a curve at 30 or more miles an hour and you don’t respond quick enough or pull hard enough the other way you can run someone over. Cause a wreck. This is 100% a safety matter and needs to be investigated not the only jeep having this problem. No one has confirmed the issue or hasn’t caused any accidents ( yet) it is just a scary moment when it Happens I have two kids and don’t need the steering to act up while they are in the car. No warning lamps on nothing let’s you know that something isn’t right. When it happens and all sudden you jerk left or right makes you look like a drunk driver swerving. This has happened 5 or 6 times and just happened 2/18/22 when my wife was on her way home from work. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT AND INVESTIGATED BEFORE IT CAUSES A DEATH.
Steering, Suspension, Feb 11, 2022
My vehicle is suffering form the defect described in this recall notice - https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10169208-9999.pdf However, my vin doesn't show as being recalled in the NHTSA lookup tool. This week the same experience was observed while driving over 50mph and hitting normal bumps in the road. A wild vibration/oscillation takes over the vehicle and presents a safety concern for myself, passengers, and motorists around me.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 10, 2022
When driving, at random times my dash lights all come on and the following components say that they're unavailable: ABS Electronic Stability Control Sway Bar Disconnect Stop/Start Blind Spot Alert I will then lose my power steering. My speedometer, RPM, and fuel gauges will drop to 0. This has happened both when driving around the neighborhood and while driving on the highway. I have been to two different dealers three different times and they have been able to reproduce and confirm the issue. But they have been unable to fix the problem. Researching the issue myself, I have found several examples of other owners having this same problem. Examples can be found on carcomplaints.com and jlwranglerforums.com. I don't know how many other cars must have this issue before action is taken by the manufacturer, but I consider the loss of power steering and the airbag system a significant safety issue. My vehicle is available for inspection at any time.
Steering, Feb 1, 2022
*Steering issues. The steering has locked up multiple times. Once in a parking lot. Every other time has been on the highway at speeds over 65mph. Yes, it is available for inspection. *If there had been a sharp curve or a reason to quickly maneuver, I would not have been able to. *No, it is out of warranty dealer let me know it's my problem. *No has not been inspected by police or others. *No warning lamps or any other symptoms prior to it happening. I've pulled over and inspected it each time. I do not find anything loose or binding that would cause this. Also, by the time I pull over it no longer does this.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 31, 2022
Multiple occurances of steering locking up(power steering failure?)all on cold mornings, turning left and around 35-40 mph 12/21/21: While driving down a straight 2 lane rd prior to dawn, I lightly steered my vehicle right to move from center of rd to right hand side. When I attempted to steer back left to correct the vehicle straight, I was unable to move the steering wheel at all to the left resulting in me driving into a mailbox & damaged both vehicle & mailbox. Vehicle drove home fine w/out further steering issue and problem couldn't be replicated. 1/11/22: Another cold morning(appr 32 degrees), warmed car up for 15 mins(to take kids to school). Came to a 30 degree left turn & again noticed the same issue of steering locked up and unable to turn left into curve until I used both hands/arms to apply a significant amount of physical force(again barely missing a mailbox). Then I couldn't correct back to the right w/out applying same force so ended up in oncoming lane of traffic. Thankfully there was not an oncoming vehicle since I had 2 kids in the car & could've had a head on collision. Steering started working again before vehicle even came to a stop. 1/27/21: Cold morning again, warmed car up as usual, & had the same steering failure on same left hand curve as on 1/11 but this time steering ability returned quickly and safely made through the turn. Oncoming vehicle but steering returned quickly enough to avoid issues. I've since learned that FCA has a new 'campaign' out for the steering assist categorized as a 'non-safety related' repair. I'm uncertain if the 'software update' will address my steering issue as the factors outlined in it are not the same as my circumstance & correspond with a different issue being reported with the steering.?
Steering, Suspension, Jan 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and going over bumps in the roadway the vehicle was difficult to control. The contact stated that while merging onto the highway at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle drove over a small bump in the road and became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that he was able to safely slow down and pull to the side of the highway to avoid a crash. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the steering box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that an appointment be made to diagnose the vehicle. The failure mileage was 16,791. The VIN was invalid.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 10, 2022
I have experienced out of nowhere violent front end shake on 4 different occasions since purchasing a used 2019 Jeep Wrangler Sahara three (3) months ago. It cannot be reproduced as I cannot determine what exactly causes it to happen but on at least two occasions I was traveling along highway bridges. There are no warning lights or messages prior to the violent shake.I have had a tire store employee look at the vehicle and have been told the steering damper should be replaced however after researching my vin noticed that this has been completed at least once already according to the MOPAR site. It is very dangerous in my opinion as you will have to keep your wits about you to keep from losing control of the vehicle. Most recent occurence 2:00 pm Interstate 20. January 9, 2022
Steering, Jan 10, 2022
The steering wheel begins to shake violently, without warning, making controlling the vehicle hard to control. My vehicle was recalled for this and repaired once. However, the problem has began again. This time is has more violent shaking than the previous encounters, making controlling the vehicle almost impossible. No warning lamps or messages. It seems to worsen in cold weather.
Steering, Jan 7, 2022
My jeep is wobbling violently on the highway and will not stop unless I come to a stop
Steering, Jan 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front of the vehicle was wobbling violently. The contact mentioned that the steering wheel was shaking to the point the contact was unable to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not yet diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Steering, Jan 1, 2022
I bought the vehicle used in December of 2021. It has been out of warranty since July of 2021. At highway speeds, the vehicle wanders side to side and seems to pull to the right. It does it on interstates as well as local roads and it is more noticeable at speeds over 30MPH. FCA knows about the problem and has fixes available for vehicles still under warranty. I feel this is a dangerous situation, since I am unable to steer the vehicle in a straight line, and steering requires constant small adjustments just to stay in my lane.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2021
I'm describing this is a steering problem, but it may easily include suspension as well. I've experienced the so-called death wobble several times since buying this Jeep. I had chalked it up as being part of having 4WD (though operating in 2WD), but I never had this problem with a much older Jeep, and it doesn't seem like it should be acceptable. Twice on this day traveling around 60 MPH, the steering began to shake with the whole vehicle wobbling. I was able to stop it after slowing down below about 40 MPH or so. I haven't found a common culprit, though it's been triggered by hitting bridge expansion joints on the highway... particularly if I'm not going perfectly straight. I'm fearful of driving over 55 MPH, and I don't think that's acceptable. While I kept control, I don't know if that will always happen. I fear losing control and possibly rolling over. It has not been reproduced or confirmed. It has not been inspected. No warning lamps or messages showed.
Steering, Dec 28, 2021
Severe death wobble at speeds above 60 mph , have had this looked at several times by dealer but problem persists
Steering, Dec 26, 2021
I have a experienced steering lockup multiple times. Normally in cold weather conditions. Twice in the driveway. About 5-6 times on the road at 30-40 mph and twice on the interstate
Steering, Dec 23, 2021
My steering on my Jeep feels stiff occasionally. Hesitation/Resistance when trying to steer. This happens once in a while. More often on cold mornings, right after a cold start.
Steering, Dec 7, 2021
2018 JLU - Sport While driving at any speed over 40 mph, when trying to turn with the road, the steering wheel locks up and will not allow me to turn it. This has almost caused me to crash into other vehicles and/or structures as I can not maintain my lane, with my *child* in the vehicle. Colder weather seems to make this worse. Also, there is excessive play and extremely loose steering while driving, the vehicle will not maintain a straight line, the driver must constantly micro manage the steering wheel. No warning lamps or messages. I have not taken it to the dealership because they want to charge over $100 for a diagnostic fee. I should not have to pay this charge as this is a known SAFETY issue. There is a recall for this issue on others with the same year, make & model but my VIN is not included in this. After speaking with MOPAR last week, I was informed that I would have to pay for any repairs out of pocket and hope that my VIN makes it on the list one day!
Steering, Dec 6, 2021
While driving 65 mph on interstate highway, Jeep front end began vibrating and violently shaking during lane change. Surrounding vehicles noticed erratic condition and yielded. Regained control as vehicle slowed below 45 mph. Issue repeated itself twice the same day. Stock vehicle, 11,600 miles on odometer. Unsafe condition.
Steering, Nov 27, 2021
2 times now the stearing has felt as though it locked up while driving . Both times I have noticed it was a colder morning say 30f . Very scary when it happens
Steering, Nov 23, 2021
My Jeep has began to shake violently on two recent occasions 11/18 and 11/23 at highway speeds. I tracked back to see if something was in the road, but all I found was a small imperfection about 1 inch tall in the road seam. The vehicle began to shake so violently that it took all I could do to keep from colliding with neighboring cars. The internet calls this “death wobble “ and it was supposed to be repaired by the dealer under recall. I had the work completed over a year ago and the vehicle is still affected.
Steering, Nov 20, 2021
My Steering wheel keeps locking up and I am unable to turn the wheel. My power steering fluid is fine cause I had it checked. The only way to unlock the steering wheel is to step in the brake. I believe it has something to do with the power steering pump. I have set up an appointment with Jeep for service. I recently had my jeep inspected and it passed. No warning lights have come up. It’s a very scary experience as I almost got into an accident as I was not able to turn the wheel until I stepped on the brake.
Steering, Nov 14, 2021
Steering sticks going around a curve… Feels like someone is holding the wheel.